Oscar-nominated writer Keir Pearson will be making his directorial debut with an adaptation of Mara Leveritt‘s non-fiction novel, The Boys on the Tracks. Variety also reports that the scribe will be producing the project alongside Elizabeth Fowler.

The novel depicts the “true story of Linda Ives’ journey to learn the truth about the murder of her teenage son, which thrusts her into the largest cocaine smuggling and gun-running operation in U.S. history.” The project will also deal with “CIA-related conspiracy theories and ultimately concerns the Iran-Contra Scandal.” This will be the first feature film dealing with this subject matter.

Judging by his past work on Hotel Rwanda, the touchy subject matter shouldn’t be a problem for Pearson. Fowler gushed about the scribe stating, “Keir wrote a very powerful script and he is absolutely the best person to bring this incredible true story — that plays out like a Grisham thriller — to life.”

That would be a pretty bold and somewhat outlandish statement if Pearson hadn’t already proven himself with his first screenplay; but, he did, so The Tracks will surely be an upcoming drama to keep an eye on. He also lent his writing and producing talent to Chavez, which stars Michael Pena, John Malkovich, Gael Garcia Bernal, with Diego Luna directing.

Have you read The Boys on the Tracks? If so, are you interested in seeing it with Pearson attached?